Careers in health informatics are expected to grow by more than 15 percent over the next 10 years. Individuals who have successfully completed a Wisconsin health informatics program will be in high demand. Health informatics technicians manage and organize health information data. It is their responsibility to keep the information:
- accurate
- accessible
- secure
In 2016, there were almost 5,300 medical records and health information technicians in Wisconsin. The average salary for those positions was $41,280 per year, higher than the national average of $38,040 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Health information technicians often need certification and many healthcare organizations require some post-secondary education. At least an associate’s degree is required for most positions although some may require a bachelor’s degree.
Courses required in health informatics programs in Wisconsin and other states include:
- anatomy
- physiology
- medical terminology
- reimbursement methods
- computer systems
- healthcare statistics
Best suited for positions in health informatics are individuals who:
- have strong analytical skills
- are detail-oriented
- enjoy technology
Employers usually prefer individuals who are certified or have the qualifications for certification. Certification may be in the form of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) as well as many others. Most certifications require graduation from an accredited health informatic program.
The job outlook for health informatics technicians is excellent. An aging population is expected to lead to a need for more healthcare. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to an increase in the type of records, especially electronic records, used by healthcare providers. This has led to an increased need for individuals who have completed health informatics programs in Wisconsin and other states.
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Health Education Center
All health-related programs are taught at the Health Education Center of Chippewa Valley Technical College, a state-of-the-art facility. The center allows students to apply real-life situations in an educational setting. The UW Health Eau Claire Family Medicine Clinic as well as a Dental Clinic is on-site. This allows students to take advantage of partnerships that will enhance their learning experiences in a top-level Wisconsin health informatics program.
Health Information Management & Technology
Students who are interested in the healthcare industry as well as information technology are well-suited for the Health Information Management & Technology program at Chippewa Valley Technical College. Students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to incorporate:
- electronic health records
- data management
- data analytics
- information integrity
- data quality
- workflow redesign
- medical coding and billing
The curriculum focuses on:
- healthcare compliance
- revenue management
- data use and analytics
- information governance
The program includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on lab and professional practice experience.
Applicants to the program must have a high school diploma or equivalent with a high school GPA of 2.8 or ACT score of 23 or higher. Students must submit to a background check as well.
The program requires 66 credits for completion and takes two years of full-time study. Cost of tuition, fees and books for the program averages $12,098. The average starting salary of a health informatics student in this program is $33,000. 72 percent of graduates are employed after graduation. Courses required may include:
- CPT Coding
- English Composition
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- Health Quality Management
- Healthcare IT
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Law and Ethics
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Healthcare Statistics & Data Analytics
- HIM Organizational Resources
- HIMT Fundamentals
- HIMT Practicum
- Human Disease for the Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- ICD Procedure Coding
- Intro to Diversity Studies or Economics or Contemporary American Society
- Introduction to Psychology
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Medical Insurance & Billing
- Medical Terminology
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Chippewa Valley Technical College
620 W. Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54701
800-547-CVTC (2882) or 715-833-6200
Email: infocenter@cvtc.edu
Fox Valley Technical College
Health Science Department
The Health Science Department at Fox Valley Technical College provides students with hands-on training and experience they will need to succeed in the healthcare industry. The programs available include:
- dental hygienist
- occupational therapist
- health information technician
Fox Valley has a graduate employment rate of 94 percent. The average starting salary is $38,200 per year. Students report a satisfaction rate of 98 percent for programs offered. Employers say that graduates of Fox Valley have the necessary skills to do their job. The college works closely with area employers to be sure that the skills provided to students meet the needs of employers.
Health Information Technology (AAS)
Individuals who have strong technology skills and are not interested in direct patient care will do well in the Health Information Technology program at Fox Valley. It offers a Wisconsin health informatics program. Students learn how to:
- code
- manage and maintain the health data needed for proper reimbursement
- statistical analysis
- maintain healthcare quality
Students must submit to an academic skills assessment and provide proof that they have completed high school. They must also read, sign and submit a Functional Ability Criteria Statement of Understanding.
The program follows a two-year curriculum based on competencies outlined by the American Health Information Management Association. Courses required for the program may include:
- Basic Anatomy
- CPT Coding
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- Economics
- Foundations of HIM
- Health Information Technology Capstone
- Health Quality Management
- Healthcare Law & Ethics
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Healthcare Stats and Analytics
- Human Disease for the Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- ICD Procedure Coding
- Intermediate Coding
- Intro to Health Informatics
- Intro to Psychology
- Management of HIM Resources
- Medical Terminology
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication
- Professional Practice
- Technical Reporting
- Written Communication
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Fox Valley Technical College
1825 North Bluemound Drive
PO Box 2277
Appleton WI 54912-227
Phone: 800-735-3882 or 920-735-5600
Gateway Technical College
Health Science
The Health Science Department of Gateway Technical College offers programs in:
- Health Information Technology
- Nursing
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Surgical Technology
They also offer:
- technical diplomas
- advanced technical certificates
- certificates in the health industry
This gives students a wide range of options for careers in the healthcare industry. It also allows them to begin working in a career as they further their education with advanced degrees. It provides them the ability to get necessary working experience while also learning skills that can lead them into more lucrative positions in the healthcare industry https://www.247carlocksmiths.com/car-lockout-service.
Health Information Technology
Gateway Technical College offers an associate degree in Health Information Technology that’s in high demand. The healthcare field now consumes 16 percent of the economic output in the country, translating to the need for more professional technicians to track health information. The Wisconsin health informatics program provides the skills and knowledge students will need to acquire, analyze and protect digital medical information. They also learn traditional forms of data, necessary to provide quality care to patients.
The program at Gateway is a two-year program offered at the Racine Campus and it is a highly-demanded field of study. In-district students are given first priority for admittance. There is a petitioning process necessary to obtain a seat in the classes and clinical placements. Students are highly encouraged to speak to an admissions advisor before applying.
Courses required for the program may include:
- CPT Coding
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- English Composition 1
- Ethics: Theory & Application
- Foundations of HIM
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- Health Information Technology Capstone
- Health Quality Management
- Health Stats and Analytics
- Healthcare Law & Ethics
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Human Disease for the Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- ICD Procedure Coding
- Intermediate Coding
- Introduction to Health Informatics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Management of HIM Resources
- Medical Terminology
- Professional Practice
- Speech
- Technical Reporting
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Gateway Technical College
3520 30th Avenue
Kenosha WI 53144
Phone: 800-247-7122
Herzing University Online
Healthcare Department
Herzing University understands that healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. They also understand that many people have obligations that make it difficult for them to move into a healthcare career as they are unable to attend traditional higher education classes. For this reason, Herzing’s online healthcare programs are designed to meet the expanding needs of employers while making it easier for working adults to achieve their education goals. Programs have a focus on patient care and healthcare administration. Students can choose from:
- medical billing
- medical office administration
- health information management
- healthcare management
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management
Herzing University offers both an Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management that is available in a completely online format. Students are provided the necessary skills and knowledge in health information management to achieve entry-level positions in:
- hospitals
- clinics
- long-term care settings
- consulting firms
- government agencies and more
Students in the Wisconsin health informatics program learn to extract, analyze and manage healthcare data. They learn how to apply medico-legal knowledge to protect patient healthcare information. Students develop an understanding of standard databases and electronic health records. They also learn about the healthcare reimbursement revenue cycle. Graduates are able to apply current regulations to ensure compliance. They learn to define leadership roles, organizational structure as well as operational processes and ethical issues that can impact health information.
Courses that may be required for the program include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Behavioral or Social Science
- Computer Applications
- Diagnostic Coding
- English Composition or Literature
- Foundations of Healthcare Quality, Statistics, Performance Improvement
- Fundamentals of Healthcare Law and Ethics for Health Information Management Professionals
- Health Information Management and Leadership
- Health Sciences for ICD-10
- Humanities with a Critical Thinking Focus
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology and Data Management
- Introduction to Healthcare Information Systems
- Mathematics (College Algebra or above)
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Principles of Health Information Management
- Procedural Coding
- Speech
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Technology
The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Technology provides students with the knowledge and skills to move into management positions in a variety of health-related organizations. Management positions in health information require individuals to manage health information systems consistent with such requirements as:
- ethical
- administrative
- legal
Graduates become experts in coding and classification as well as managing information and the administration of computer systems. Graduates are able to manage patient health records and develop organization-wide confidentiality policies. Students learn to implement and manage software applications.
They also learn process engineering and project management techniques to insure an efficient workflow while demonstrating management of the revenue cycle that includes:
- reimbursement
- chargemaster
- financial reporting
Upon graduation, students are able to take the Registered Health Administrator certification examination.
Courses that may be required for the degree include:
- Accounting
- Coding Management and Compliance
- Diagnostic Coding
- Epidemiology and Research Methods
- Foundations for Classification, Compliance and Reimbursement Methodologies in Health Information Management
- Foundations of Healthcare Quality, Statistics and Performance Improvement
- Fundamentals of Healthcare Law and Ethics for Health Information Management Professionals
- Health Information Management and Leadership
- Health Information Management Strategic Planning
- Health Sciences for ICD-10
- Healthcare Data
- Healthcare Finance and Revenue Cycle Methodology
- Healthcare Information Management Systems
- Information Technology and Data Management
- Introduction to Business
- Introduction to Healthcare Information Systems
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior
- Management Affiliation
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Payroll Accounting
- Principles of Health Information Management
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Procedural Coding
- Professional Practice Internship
- Project management
- Quantitative Decision Making
- Research Methods and Decision-Making
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Herzing University
W140N8917 Lilly Road
Menomonee Falls WI 53051
Phone: 800-596-0724
Website:
Mid-State Technical College
Mid-State Technical College strives to meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of central Wisconsin. Students are at every level, including:
- just-graduated high school students
- people who plan to transfer to four-year universities
- those who want to move into a new career or advance in a current career
Students from Mid-State have gone on to accomplish many of the goals they set, whether it is a graduate degree or a leadership position in a specific industry.
Health Information Management Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
The Health Information Management degree program at Mid-State Technical College helps students develop the skills and management necessary to obtain entry-level positions in health information. Students learn a variety of computer programs and established methods used to securely process, compile, maintain and report electronic health information data for patient care.
Students learn to abstract and code data using classification systems. They also learn to analyze health records and build their knowledge of:
- reimbursement
- facility planning
- marketing
- risk management and more
Upon graduation from the Wisconsin health informatics program, students are eligible to sit for the national certification examination as a Registered Health Information Technician.
Courses required for the program include:
- Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
- Advanced Coding
- CPT Coding
- Database Concepts and Design
- Developmental Psychology or Intro to Psychology
- Electronic Health Records
- English Composition I or Written Communication
- General Anatomy & Physiology
- Health Data Analysis
- Health Informatics Clinical
- Human Disease for the Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- ICD Procedure Coding
- Introduction to American Government or Introduction to Diversity Studies or Introduction to Sociology
- Introduction to Ethics
- Introduction to Health Records
- Legal Aspects of HIIM
- Management of Health Information Systems
- Medical Terminology
- Microsoft Office Introduction
- Organization of Healthcare
- Performance Improvement for Health Professions
- Private and Government Reimbursement
- RHIT Test Prep
- Technical Reporting
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Mid-State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street north
Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494
Email: laurie.inda@mstc.edu
Stevens Point Campus
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point WI 54481
Email: lana.mallek@mstc.edu
Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield WI 54449
Email: lea.ellis@mstc.edu
Phone: 888-575-MSTC (6782)
Moraine Park Technical College
Moraine Park Technical College offers a well-rounded college experience. Students can choose from more than 100 career options. There are many clubs, organizations and groups on campus that can build their network of opportunity. There are also leadership roles available and students have the opportunity to study abroad. The school has campuses in:
- Beaver Dam
- Fond du Lac
- West Bend
- regional centers in Jackson and Ripon
The school also offers a wide range of online and hybrid programs that make it easy for adult learners to achieve their higher education goals.
Health Information Technology
Moraine Park Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. It’s available online, although a clinical is required for the Wisconsin health informatics program. Students learn how healthcare and technology intertwine. The program can be completed either full- or part-time. All core classes are available online.
Graduates of the program have exceeded the national pass rate on the Registered Health Information Technician examination for over 25 years. One hundred percent of students in the program have received a favorable rating on professional practice site supervisor evaluations. Students learn to apply coding and reimbursement systems as well as methods to model professional behavior and ethics. Students develop organizational management techniques and are able to apply data governance to ensure the quality of health data.
Courses required include:
- Basic Anatomy
- Behavioral Science Course
- CPT Coding
- Communication Course
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- English Composition I
- Health Quality Management
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Healthcare Stats and Analytics
- Healthcare Law and Ethics
- HIT Capstone
- Human Disease for the Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- ICD Procedure Coding
- Intermediate Coding
- Introduction to Health Informatics
- Management of Health Information Systems
- Medical Terminology
- Professional Practice
- Social Science Course
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Health Sciences
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Health Sciences Department is the perfect place for individuals who have:
- an interest in health science
- a passion for excellence
- a desire to make a difference in the world
Graduates of the four health science programs at Northeast Wisconsin have an average starting salary between $51,700 and $61,700. Students train in real-world locations like hospitals and clinics. The top-notch faculty are focused on helping all student succeed. Students can choose from diagnostic services like:
- radiography
- advanced EMT
- phlebotomy
There is also health informatics such as health information technology or healthcare leadership.
There are also therapeutic service programs like:
- gerontology
- nursing assistant
- personal care worker
- dental hygienist
Students may also register for a new Health Navigator degree program.
Health Information Technology Associate Degree
The Health Information Technology degree program at Northeast Wisconsin provides students with the skills they need to collect, analyze and report healthcare data. Students in the Wisconsin health informatics program develop an understanding of:
- disease
- treatments
- computer systems
- privacy and security
- organizational skills
Graduates are eligible for national certification and have found work in:
- health agencies information system vendor clinics
- other healthcare organizations
Courses that may be required for the program include:
- Applied Coding
- Basic Anatomy
- College 101
- CPT Coding
- Economics
- English Composition I
- Health Data Management
- Health Quality Management
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Law & Ethics
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Healthcare Stats & Research
- HIM Organizational Resources
- Human Diseases for the Health Profession
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- ICD Procedure Coding
- Intro to Diversity Studies
- Intro to the Health Record
- Intro to Psychology
- Math with Business Applications
- Medical Terminology
- Micro: Access Intro
- Micro: Excel Intro
- Micro: Power Point Intro
- Micro: Windows/Computer Basics
- Micro: Word Intro
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication
- Professional Practice I & II
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
2740 West Mason Street
Green Bay WI 54303
Phone: 920-498-5444 or 1-800-422-NWTC (6982)
Rasmussen College – Green Bay
School of Health Sciences
The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing and changing industries today. This has led Rasmussen College to offer a wider range of programs at their School of Health Sciences. Students can choose from certificates, associate or bachelor’s degrees. Any of these can help them advance in a current career or move into a new career. Students can choose from programs that allow them to work directly with patients or behind-the-scenes. The highly-qualified faculty hold students to a higher standard and help them develop skills that will give them a competitive advantage.
Health Information Management
The Health Information Management program at Rasmussen College is a bachelor’s-level program. It’s designed to help students advance in a current career or move into a new career as a leader in health information technology. Students are provided hands-on professional practices as well as classroom studies and virtual laboratory projects that create successful healthcare professionals. Students may enter the program directly from high school or after completing an associate degree in Health Information Technician studies or a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding.
The Wisconsin health informatics program is offered under the FlexChoice option. It enables students to save money and time by combining traditional courses with self-directed assessments. This gives students more flexibility and affordability. Courses are also offered fully on-campus or in a fully-online format. The program takes 18-months of full-time study to complete. The program prepares students for the Registered Health Information Administrator examination.
Courses required for the program include:
- Advanced Health Information Law and Ethics
- Advanced Human Resource Management
- Advanced Quality Management in Healthcare
- Algebra
- Ambulatory Care Coding
- American Literature
- Applied Research in Health Information Management
- Art Appreciation
- Career Development
- Computer Applications and Business Systems
- Conservation of Resources
- Contemporary World Literature 1900 to Present
- Conversational Spanish
- Creative Writing
- Data, Information and File Structures
- Electronic Data Security
- Electronic Health Record Application
- English Composition
- Essential Statistics and Analytics
- Film Appreciation
- Financial Management of Health Information Services
- Gender in Math and Science
- General Psychology
- Health Data Management
- Health Information Law and Ethics
- Health Information Management Alternative Facility Professional Practice Experience
- Health Information Management Professional Practice Experience
- Health Information Management Systems
- Health Information Professional Practicum
- Healthcare Information Technologies
- Healthcare Statistics
- Human Geography
- Human Uses of the Environment
- Humanities
- ICD-10 Coding Practicum
- ICD-CM Coding
- ICD-PCS Coding
- Information and Communication Technology
- Introduction to Astronomy
- Introduction to Communication
- Introduction to Critical Thinking
- Introduction to Healthcare Information Management
- Introduction to Human Biology
- Introduction to Geology
- Introduction to Literature
- Introduction to Sociology
- Literature of American Minorities
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Medical Insurance and Billing
- Management of Health Information Systems
- Medical Terminology
- Oral Communication
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology for the Allied Health Professional
- Physical Geography
- Political Thought
- Project Management
- Quality Analysis and Management
- Regulation and Compliance in Healthcare
- Reimbursement Methodologies
- Strategic Planning and Development
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
- United States History 1900 to the Present
- US Healthcare Systems
- Visions of America Since 1945
- Visual Communication and the Media
- Work and Family
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Rasmussen College
Green Bay Campus
904 South Taylor Street
Suite 100
Green Bay WI 54303
Phone: 920-593-8400
Waukesha County Technical College
School of Health
The School of Health at Waukesha County Technical College programs include:
- certificate
- diploma
- degree
They will help individuals advance in a current health-related career or move into a new career. Programs are taught by highly-qualified faculty who are focused on helping students achieve their higher education goals. Graduates find jobs within three to six months of graduation and become lifelong learners. Many graduates go on to earn higher degrees upon completion of their studies at the School of Health.
Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Health Information Technology program is a 63-credit associate degree that provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to the care of patients through collecting, analyzing and reporting data in a secure format. Students in the Wisconsin health informatics program gain knowledge of disease processes and treatments as well as:
- information standards
- regulatory and ethical issues
- application of organizational management
Courses required to complete the program may include:
- Basic Anatomy
- CPT Coding
- Digital Literacy Healthcare
- English Composition I
- Foundations of HIM
- Health Quality Management
- Healthcare Law and Ethics
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Healthcare Stats & Analytics
- HIT Capstone
- Human Diseases for Health Professionals
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- ICD Procedure Coding
- Intermediate Coding
- Intro to Diversity Studies
- Intro to Health Informatics
- Management of HIM Resources
- Medical Terminology
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication
- Professional Practice Experience
- Psychology of Human Relations
- Technical Reporting
- Think Critically & Creatively
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Waukesha County Technical College
800 Main Street
Pewaukee WI 53072
Phone: 262-691-5400
Email: rdunn10@wctc.edu
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Are you preparing for a new career? Upgrading schools? Hoping to advance in a current career? Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College has many options. Many of the programs are available in a completely online format or may be taken in a traditional classroom setting. This allows for flexibility for students who may have obligations that make it difficult to achieve their higher education goals.
Health Information Technology
Healthcare and technology combine in a two-year associate degree program to help individuals move into the growing field of health information technology. The program prepares students to compile, process and maintain electronic healthcare records in a secure manner. Graduates from the Wisconsin health informatics program understand medical coding as well as healthcare industry standards with both traditional and electronic health records. Graduates are able to:
- manage health data
- apply coding and reimbursement systems
- model professional behavior and ethics.
Courses required for the program include:
- CPT Coding
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- English Composition I
- Foundations of HIM
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- Health Quality Management
- Healthcare and Law Ethics
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Healthcare Stats and Analytics
- HIT Capstone
- Human Disease for the Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- ICD Procedure Coding
- Intermediate Coding
- Intro to Diversity Studies
- Intro to Healthcare Informatics
- Intro to Psychology
- Management of HIM Resources
- Medical Terminology
- Oral/Interpersonal Communications or Speech
- Professional Practice I
- Technical Reporting
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
505 Pine Ridge Drive
Shell Lake WI 54871-8727
Phone: 800-243-WITC (9482) or 715-468-2815
Email: beth.hazelton@witc.edu
With the industry growing more than 16 percent over the next 10 years, individuals who have completed a Wisconsin health informatics program states will be better prepared to move into a new career or advance in a current career.
See also: 50 Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Informatics